This invention relates to improvements in construction blocks, and particularly to blocks adapted to be used in the construction of the walls of buildings. It has for its general object the provision of a pre-cast masonry block wherewith walls presenting the-appearanceof having unbroken vertical joints can be constructed in which the vertical joints between successive horizontalcourses are broken.

Another object of the invention is-to'provide a standardblocl; wherewith single thickness walls having a very high resistance to lateral pressure can be constructed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a block wherewith either straight or zigzag walls, and geometrically patterned walls, can be constructed. 7

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends the invention,' then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawing and following description setting forth in detail the block embodying the invention, such constituting, however, but several of description various forms in which the principle of the invention may be utilized.

In said annexed drawing: Figure 1 is a plan view of two of our blocks showing them in the position which they occupy as normally used in a wall construction. Figures 2 and 3 are, respectively, aside elevation and an end elevation of one of the blocks shown in Figure 1. I a Figure 4 is 'a plan view of our corner block. Figures 5 and 6 are, respectively, a side elevation and a joint-face elevation of the corner block shown in Figure 4. f

Figures 7 and 8 are isometric views of partially constructed walls showing the relationship after assembly, between the straight block shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, and the corner block shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6. l

Our blocks are'substantially hexahedral prisms which areadapted to be embossed on the exposed faces thereof; In the drawing we have illustrated the exposed faces of .all of our related blocks as provided with protuberant portions presenting a plane surface, said protuberances being beveled on all their edges at an angle of approximately 45 particular form of embossing, since any-desired ornamentation may be employed without disv to the plane of the exposed side faces of the block; but we do not limit ourselves to thisvertical alignment when the blocks are laid in the horizontalcourses, thereby to permit dowel:- ling and successive horizontal courses together if desired; a

Our blocks are. cast in permanentmolds, and may be made of concrete, cinder-base, clay, or other suitable materials. It is possible to incorporate pigments with the material from which the block is made, at the time of casting, to-pro, duce blocks colored in any desired manner. The molds can be recessed to provide suitable ema bossing on the exposed faces of the blocks. The blocks can be laid .;up, in successive horizontal hydraulic mortaryetc. I a V The straight block illustrated specifically in Figures 1, 2, and 3 is in the, shape of a right parallellpiped, whereof the perimeters of the bases are congruent oblique parallelograms' which have supplementary anglesof substantially 45 and 135, and the ratio of the altitude of either base to the length of the longer side thereof is approximately 1 to 2 Thus, in'Figure l, the acute angles 4t and :42 of the parallelogram constitutingthe perimeter of onebase of our straight block are angles of approximately- 45. We have, howevenfoundit advantageous in practice to modify the shape in plan section of the straightblock slightly from that of a true parallelogram.- Thus; as seen in clevationfromthe line 46 on the jointface 45of the block, the face is-struck' off-toward the side face of the block at a very slight angle from the true diagonal. The opposite end face is also struck off at acorresponding angle toward the opposite side face. This provides a tapering crevice 47 between adjacent blocks in a bed or horizontal course for holding the bonding agent. The width of the block between side faces d l is proportioned to the length of the block between the oblique end faces in the ratio of 1 to 2, i. e.- in a block six inchesin width the length of the block courses with any suitable bonding agent, such as is approximately 12 inches.

As illustrated in plan,..the straight block is made with triangular shaped voids as, which construction, althoughlpreferablais' not essential,

since the blocks may be made solid or have void's' of other shapes. It will be noted that the voids; in the straight blocks, and as well in all other blocks employed in our constructions, line up be-, tween successive beds, permitting the dowelling of blocks together with concrete and reinforcing bars to form lintels, columns, etc., where it is' necessary to' resist'heavy strains. permits great flexibility such as fireplaces, etc., mental grilles.

We preferably provide the respective side faces 44 of the straight block with raised portions beveled on all edges, e. g. 48 and 49, at an angle of about 45. This gives a decorative appearance in spanning openings .and constructing; orna-- Tms feature 50 anu tms includes the two blocksin the lower mental effects may be employed on the side surfaces 4l such as geometric pattern designs,

imitationstonefinislies, .etc.. a V

Thestraight block illustrated in Figures 1, 2,

and 3 is used as a field block in straight wallsrj The straight blocks mitre to form the corners thefacesllofthe 's'tralljghtiblock. The

in alternate horizontal courses; in the other courses two straight blockscombirie with a corner block to form a corner. Thehetraight bloclgamay. also be used to obtain certain orn eme lt l. eifects, such as pierced masonry grilles, niches, etc. The corner block illustrated in-Figures. 4;. 5;

and 6 is a substantially righttriangular prism,

whereof the perimeters of the bases are substantially right isosceles triangles. The edges 50 and 5Ia of the faces 50 and 5| of said triangles,

hi'ch include the right angle, correspond-in length to th length 01 the sids N of the oblique pairallelogr ari1'sv which form the bases of our straight block. The e gposed faces and 5} or dexaqtlyin size to v diagonal rage 52 0i thecdrfner block is struck oil-towardacii face-5o a d if at every 'slightangle, beginningat'the li'ries ig and Sfiresriectiteli, as were the end rates of the straight block, to provide a more suitable crevice forthbdiidihg agent beour"corne'r block correspon tween the-adjacent blocks i a bed.

1. A wall structure having broken vertical joints comprising successive horizontal courses of; blocks; the bases. of said blgclgsbeing congruent, oblique parallelograms which havevsup'plementary angles of substantially and 135 and a ratio between the altitude of either of said parallelo- 1 grams tg the length of the longer side thereof of" approximately 1 to 2,- said blocks being ari l iin: